Apart from making affordable people carriers, Ford has quite the popularity when it comes to screen times. We kid you not, Ford is the most popular car brand in the history of cinemas, with just under 10,500 appearances. The second-best is Chevrolet, with 6,500 movie appearances— information that comes courtesy of Carwow’s recent study based on data from the IMCDb.

Ford is a mainstream automaker. Quite honestly, you can find a Ford around almost every corner. Come to think of it, most movies have Fords in them or a cameo, at least. Appearances such as the Bullitt Mustang and the Thunderbird convertible in Thelma and Louise to the ubiquitous Crown Victoria police cruiser are a few examples.

As you can tell, Ford has quite the foothold in movies, whether it be the baddies escaping or just basic police chases. If we are to pull up a few names, the Ford Econoline, Mustang, and Crown Vic are among the most common. Other models include the Gran Torino, Transit, Falcon, and the F-Series trucks. In fact, the study mentions the Ford Crown Victoria, especially the CVPI, as the most common car model in cinematic history, with a total of 1,019 movie appearances.

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The Crown Victoria and Ford Mustang Wipe The Floor When It Comes To Screen Time

LAPD Crown Victoria Cop Car
Via: Flickr

Consulting IMCDb’s data, it’s the Crown Vic with the most number of on-screen appearances. Ford's full-size sedan has appeared in more movies and television programs than any car in cinematic history. Although, it has to be said that its role is usually that of a supporting character than being the protagonist’s go-to choice of transport. Some of the movies starring the Crown Vic include Heat (1995), Just Cause (1995), 15 Minutes (2001), Taxi (2004), Superbad (2007), and Goodbye Solo (2008).

2022 Ford Mustang California rear third quarter ariel view
Via: Ford

Next in line is the Ford Mustang, a household name that now garners legendary status. Starting its life back in 1965, Ford Mustang gave birth to the concept of muscle cars and spawned rivals like the Chevy Camaro and Dodge Challenger. America's favorite pony car holds the title as the second-most filmed and recorded vehicle in movie history. From Bullit and Need For Speed to having multiple appearances in the Fast and Furious franchise, the Ford Mustang is usually the first choice for characters that fancy a muscle car. The Mustang’s other notable movie appearances include Gone in 60 Seconds (1974), Team Knight Rider (1997-1998), Gone in Sixty Seconds (2000), Saxondale (2006-2010), and Death Race (2008).

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Ford’s Econoline, Transit, and the F-Series Also Rank High

For the most demanding pickup truck customers, the 2018 Ford F-Series Super Duty works harder thanks to its newly upgraded 6.7-liter Power Stroke® V8 diesel engine offering best-in-class 450 horsepower and 935 lb.-ft. of torque
Via: Ford

Falling just shy of the Mustang’s screen time, the Econoline slots in as the next most popular movie car from the Blue Oval. According to IMCDb, the boring MPV, or cargo van, or whatever you call it has starred in many movies, with serious screen time in Speed Zone! (1989), Born to be Wild (1995), No Code of Conduct (1998), Run for the Money (2002), The Ambulance (2005), and Altered (2006).

You’ll be surprised that the F-Series trucks are far more popular in movies than other mainstream names like Mercedes-Benz S-Class and the Toyota Corolla. The F-Series nameplate has been in the market for decades. Quite literally, the most popular pickup truck in the world, the Ford F-150 has seen 14 generations over the course of its lifetime. And during this multi-decade run, America’s favorite pickup has starred in a variety of films and television shows. Some of these include Mr. Majestyk (1974), Every Which Way But Loose (1978), Near Dark (1987), Critters 2: The Main Course (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), and Gran Torino (2008).

2022-Ford-E-Transit-US-spec-0
Via: Ford

Moving on, Ford's Transit van is another popular on-screen vehicle from the automaker. The Transit is available around the world and is a favorite choice among filmmakers. It’s worth pointing out that Transits usually excel as supporting vehicles for hackers and kidnappers and are often used as delivery trucks or some form of service van in disguise. Notable movies featuring the full-size van include That Sinking Feeling (1980), The Van (1996), Among Giants (1998), Man Dancin' (2003), Undead (2003), and XXL (2004).

Where Does Ford Stand In Today’s Automotive Scene?

Front 3/4 view of a blue Mustang Mach-E GT in the sunset
Via: Ford

The automotive industry has evolved quite a bit in the last decade, with sustainable alternatives favoring the good ol’ dinosaur juice. Taking this into account, Ford introduced the Mustang Mach E in an approach that hits two birds with one stone— joining the SUV bandwagon while stepping into the next era of motoring, EVs.

Although the move to name an SUV after the iconic sports car induced enough outrage, it’s clear why they’ve done it. The Mustang is far more than just a model, it’s a brand now, and Ford’s planning on using that fame to expand its portfolio. Also, an all-electric Ford Mustang is anticipated to arrive in 2028 as part of the upcoming seventh gen’s mid-cycle refresh. Suffice to say, exciting times lie ahead for the American automaker.

Sources: Carwow, IMCDb